VANG VIENG / LUANG PRABANG Vang Vieng is always the jovial town tucked into heavenly mountains where young backpackers and families flock for extreme sports and adventure. Amidst the embrace of nature, local residents and neighbouring countries regard it as a destination where they can sit back and breathe a cleaner ozone during their long holidays. Some even choose to start their own businesses in this charming part of the Lao kingdom. YOGA VANG VIENG Silver Naga Hotel Ban Savang, silvernaga.com EARTH BAR Nam Song river, facebook.com/earthvangvieng Below Top Earth Bar is known for creative cocktail menus using premium Lao whiskey as a base drink. RABBIT’S HOLE With Vang Vieng’s tourism chapter to discover, it’s easy to rejoice in its abundant gifts from nature. The town, shrouded yearround in mist, possesses fresh and clean mountainous air and the picturesque Nam Song River. It’s the main river in Vang Vieng that feeds and meets up with the Mekong River on the opposite side of <strong>Thai</strong>land’s Nong Khai province. A stroll in this charming gem of a place means a realness here and when you stop for a moment, you’ll find that the earth still makes music for those who listen. ORGANIC FARM laofarm.org HIDDEN SPOTS TO WELL-BEING If taking a stroll along Nam Song River sounds tempting, then discovering hidden spots along the route will surely add more adventure to the tranquil walk. A hidden alley next to Green Restaurant is called the Rabbit’s Hole, connecting adventureseekers to the world of discovery. There, a wood bridge connects the two sides of the river and when looking on the left of the bridge, you’ll see small animal farms belonging to the village. Luck may come in seeing little creatures like rabbits and chickens or ducks and geese making their way from the farm to swim in the river. Passionate about nature’s greenness? How about getting a little physical activity and cycling to experience Organic Farm? Located at around 5 MAMA SABABA River Road, South of Elephant Crossing kilometres outside town, this organic farm promotes the use of non-chemicals with focus on traditional methods in growing their crops and raising animals. The family-run farm has been in business for more than 21 years and prides itself on a pesticidefree philosophy. They offer a farm stay experience where lodgers can awaken in greenery. The place also comes with a volunteer programme in which people can learn about sustainable agriculture. Take a break with an organic meal delicious for you and beneficial to the farmers of Vang Vieng as every dish is made of fresh ingredients delivered daily from organic farms around the town. Our pick, Mama Sababa, is a Mediterranean restaurant known for its authenticity and alternative menus of vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes, with must-tries like hummus, falafel and kebab. MIND-BOGGLING VIEWS Another way to enjoy Vang Vieng’s picturesque scenery is with the quest for spirituality. Yoga Vang Vieng is the answer for those wanting to blend in with the tranquillity of Nam Song riverside and also another way to meet new friends. Uplifting and physical, the private classes offer breathing techniques and meditation for complete peace and build up core body strength. The place offers all the necessary equipment: Manduka mats, blocks, straps, bolsters to blankets, with skilled classes taught by visiting yoga instructors from around the world. Classes vary from Hatha, introductory Ashtanga to therapeutic yoga, taking about 1 hour and a half with the morning session at 7.30am and evening session at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at Silver Naga Hotel’s reception desk 5 to 10 minutes before the class begins. Once inner peace is fulfilled, pack up that yoga mat and bid farewell to the day with the stunning sunset view at Earth Bar. This recycle-themed bar is wonderfully built and decorated with items from glass bottles, bottle lids and tyres and boasts a spectacular view of the river traversing the mountain in a private setting. Consider ending an unforgettable day by taking in the tranquillity from the comfort of Earth Bar’s hammock while munching on the bar’s veggie burger–which is by far the most delicious vegetarian burger in town. A LOVELY HERITAGE SIGHT Located 4 hours away from Vang Vieng via a public mini-van, UNESCO’s World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang has a place in everyone’s heart. The town is also a food paradise, with excellent handicrafts and a setting of pastelcoloured buildings and houses. Eat, walk, then repeat is the routine in this town. If you’re passionate about satisfying your palate, we recommend finding accommodation in the area where the Mekong and Nam Khan River meet, as it is known for its abundant restaurants with marvellous dining reputations. From Xieng Thong down to Sakkaline Road, food lovers can enjoy an eating spree from local restaurants, popular bakeries to organic places. Begin your day with a stroll in the morning market (it stops at 9am) with mesmerising and Below Bottom Visiting yoga teachers Kate Nik and Blazia Lyster stretch by the pool at Silver Naga Hotel. Opposite Top The Organic Farm’s young guide relaxes on a favourite swing in the lush vegetation. Middle Colourful wildflowers with unique features are a common sight at the Organic Farm. Bottom Left Mama Sababa offers hearty and fresh meals for hungry diners. 62 63